What is the most common sickness after travelling?

Overview

Ever come back from a holiday feeling more drained than recharged? You’re not alone. Between jet lag, street food, and adjusting to new climates, it’s common to feel tired. Post-travel sickness happens because your body is exposed to new environments, unfamiliar foods, and disrupted routines. Let’s uncover common travel illnesses, their triggers, key symptoms, and when to seek medical attention.

Why do people get sick after travelling?

Several factors can weaken your immune system while travelling, including:

• Exposure to new bacteria and viruses that your body isn’t used to fighting

• Adjusting to different climates, time zones, and disturbed sleep-wake cycles can stress your system.

• Jet lag, travel stress and exhaustion can contribute to a weakened immune system.

• Consuming contaminated food and water may increase illness risk.

• Spending time in crowded places such as airports, planes, or using public transport may heighten germ exposure.

The most common sickness after travelling: Traveller’s diarrhoea

The most common sickness after travel is Traveller’s diarrhoea, also known as “traveller’s tummy”. You’re more likely to catch it when travelling to areas where food hygiene or water quality standards may not be dependable. In fact, for travellers from high-income countries heading to lower-income countries, it affects roughly 20-50% of trips, depending on destination and conditions¹.

Traveller’s diarrhoea occurs when you eat or drink contaminated food or water, and your body responds. Common causes include bacteria such as E. coli (especially enterotoxigenic E. coli), Campylobacter, Salmonella, as well as various other parasites and viruses².

Symptoms

• Abdominal cramps, pain, or bloating

• Loose, watery stools

• Nausea

• Urgency to go to the toilet

• General fatigue or feeling unwell

Prevention tips

• Drink bottled or boiled water

• Avoid raw salads, peeled fruits, or street food

• Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating

Note: Most cases are mild and resolve within a few days.

Post-travel health checks

Once you’re back in Australia, your GP can provide a thorough post-travel review:

• They may request tests for infections such as dengue, malaria, typhoid, or parasitic illnesses, especially if you've been to higher-risk countries.

• If you’re a frequent traveller, you might prefer an online or telehealth consultation to discuss symptoms, manage medications, or arrange specialist referrals.

Other post-travel illnesses

Respiratory infections (colds/flu/COVID-19)

Planes, airports, and busy tourist areas are ideal breeding grounds for respiratory viruses to spread.

Symptoms: cough, fever, fatigue, or sore throat.

Prevention: practising good hand hygiene, using face masks, and ensuring your vaccinations are up-to-date.

Mosquito-borne illnesses

In warmer regions, especially tropical and subtropical zones, there’s a risk of diseases like Dengue fever, Zika virus, or Malaria.

Protect yourself by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothes, and using mosquito nets when appropriate.

Sinus or ear infections

Changes in cabin pressure, low cabin temperatures, and existing viral infections can contribute to ear or sinus issues, a common problem among frequent flyers.

Food poisoning or Gastroenteritis

Similar to traveller’s diarrhoea, but often more sudden and intense. It is often linked to contaminated, spoiled, or improperly cooked food.

Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe dehydration.

Jet lag and fatigue

Not exactly an illness, but jet lag can weaken your body, increasing susceptibility to infections. Manage it with plenty of rest, good hydration, and some sunlight exposure.

When to consult a doctor

See an online doctor if you’ve returned home and you experience:

• A fever lasting more than 2 days
• Severe diarrhoea or dehydration
• Rash or unexplained swelling
• Persistent cough or chest pain
• Extreme fatigue or yellowing of skin (possible hepatitis or malaria)

Some infections can appear weeks after returning home—don’t ignore ongoing symptoms.

How Hola Health can help

Travelling can be stressful, but getting medical help doesn’t need to be complicated. With Hola Health, you can speak to a registered Australian GP online—no waiting rooms, no delays, just trusted medical care from the comfort of your home.

• Book a telehealth appointment with an Australian GP from anywhere
• Discuss your travel symptoms safely online
• Get prescriptions, tests, or referrals (e.g., for gastroenterologist, infectious disease specialist)

If you’re feeling unwell after your trip, book a quick online telehealth consultation with Hola Health today.

Conclusion

Post-travel fatigue is fairly common, but most travel-related illnesses can be avoided and easily managed. The key is smart preparation, safe travel practices, and attentive self-care after returning home. If symptoms persist, don’t wait—speak to an online GP via Hola Health for quick, expert support from home. Make your future journeys memorable for the right reasons.

FAQs

What is the most common illness after international travel?

Traveller’s diarrhoea is the most common, especially after travelling to destinations with poor hygiene or sanitation infrastructure.

How long does traveller’s diarrhoea last?

For most people, it resolves within a few days (often 1–3 days) if mild.

What should I do if I get sick after returning from overseas?

Take rest, stay hydrated, keep track of your symptoms, and if they persist or worsen, seek medical advice. Avoid assuming it’s just “travel fatigue”.

How can I tell if it's food poisoning or an infection?

Food poisoning usually develops quickly after eating spoiled or undercooked food. Infections related to travel can arise from contaminated food or water and often take longer to manifest, potentially appearing several days after returning from a trip.

Can I see an online doctor for post-travel sickness?

Yes, many GPs operate through telehealth in Australia and can evaluate your symptoms, order tests, or refer you to a specialist for further care.

How do I prevent getting sick on my next trip?

Practise good hygiene, make safe food and water choices, remain current with vaccinations, use insect protection, get enough rest, and limit alcohol during your travel.